35

E.—7

College. —There were sixty-six persons on the teaching staff of the College in 1927, of whom fifteen were professors. The total number of students attending lectures increased from 1,130 in 1926 to 1,248 in 1927, and of these 319 were non-matriculated. The buildings taken over by the College from the Boys' High School have enabled the work of the College, to be carried on with, much greater efficiency and comfort to both the staff and the students. RoUeston House was full, and since the end of the year an additional house has been purchased, from Mrs. Vernon. It may become desirable for the Board to consider the appointment of one of the staff to be warden of the house and be responsible for its control and discipline. School of Forestry. —The School of Forestry has now been established for three years, and the number of students taking courses of instruction has increased from three in 1924 to twenty in 1.927. Several students who have completed their courses are now in the employment of the State Forest Service. Rooms in the East Block have been allotted to the School, and the equipment for field and. laboratory work, for the museum, library, and lecture room, has been augmented during the year. The School is obtaining the cordial co-operation of various forestry organizations, and the staff and senior students are actively engaged upon research in various problems connected, with forestry in New Zealand. The Workers' Educational Association. —The W.E.A. continues to spread in the country districts. The system known as the " box scheme," which was devised by Professor Shelley, has enabled cultural education to be carried into districts where it was not possible to afford a tutor. The subjects taught by the W.E.A. and demanded in rural districts have enabled many people, whose means or occupation prevent them from attending University lectures to receive a great deal of cultural knowledge. I feel sure that as Parliament and the Government realize the importance of the W.E.A. work, so will money become available for its extension. It must, however, be recognized that the demands for primary education must have first consideration over both secondary and higher education, but careful administration should provide for all three. School of Engineering. —During the year 296 students attended, lectures, and of this number 148 were matriculated students taking the degree, or associateship course. The additional accommodation provided in the buildings formerly occupied by the High School has greatly facilitated the work of the School during the year.